After posting a 3.13 ERA in seven appearances at Suffolk County (N.Y.) CC as a freshman in 2008, Burawa transferred to St. John’s after the following fall, so he had to sit out 2009. He has been a revelation as a draft-eligible sophomore this spring, going 1-0, 1.02 with eight saves, 27 strikeouts and eight walks through 18 innings over 23 appearances. Burawa has a loose, wiry frame at 6-foot-3, 215 pounds, but he has a long, funky arm action that one scout likened to an Iron Mike pitching machine tipped on its side. He pumps fastballs in the 93-95 mph range with good armside run, and he flashes an average 75-78 mph slurve with some tilt and bite, though more often the pitch breaks too early and he struggles to command it. His changeup is in its early stages of development. Burawa’s limited track record causes scouts to be cautious, but his fresh arm is also an asset—one scout called his arm “a very loose cannon.” He figures to be drafted somewhere between the second and fourth rounds.

Burawa has been a bit tough to evaluate because of an unproven track record. A transfer from Suffolk Community College, an early-season suspension has limited his time on the mound this spring. His arm action and delivery are not ideal, but he’s created a buzz with a fastball he runs up to 94-95 mph with some life down in the zone. His slider is fringy average, but there’s enough to work with there. His command isn’t great, but it may not be as much of an issue in a relief role and that live of an arm tends to do well.

The Sporting News also chimed in:

Daniel Burawa is a relative neophyte on the draft scene. He didn’t see a whole lot of time on the diamond last year after transferring from Suffolk County (NY) Community College, but this year the 6-3, 215-pound Burawa did damage on the mound as the Red Storm closer. The junior saved 11 games with a 2.78 ERA, striking out 30 in just 22 innings pitched. He is raw, but the power velocity (touching 94, 95) and superior arm strength is undeniable. Like Craig Hansen before him, St. John’s is not afraid of grooming an arm specifically as a closer.

About Rob Abruzzese

Rob Abruzzese created Bronx Baseball Daily in 2008 just before graduating from Brooklyn College. He currently serves BBD as its editor and works as a reporter at the Brooklyn Daily Eagle. Follow Rob on Twitter @RobAbruzzese.